Talking Book & Braille Service (TBBS) – Nebraska Library Commission Bloghttp://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog
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1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.4.165887984Listened to a good book lately?http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2020/02/24/listened-to-a-good-book-lately/
http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2020/02/24/listened-to-a-good-book-lately/#commentsMon, 24 Feb 2020 16:39:23 +0000http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/?p=27682This article was originally published in the Lincoln Journal Star. Nebraska Talking Book and Braille Service uses newly developed technology to supply audio books to individuals with print disabilities. As books are requested, they are duplicated and mailed to the … Continue reading →

Nebraska Talking Book and Braille Service uses newly
developed technology to supply audio books to individuals with print
disabilities. As books are requested, they are duplicated and mailed to the
borrower’s home. Duplication-on-demand has eliminated waiting lists for popular
books. Borrowers are also able to download reading materials and listen to them
on their phone.

Talking Book and Braille Service is available to Nebraskans
with print disabilities. These include visual impairments, dyslexia, and
disabilities that make holding a book difficult. Talking Books is part of the
Nebraska Library Commission and works in collaboration with the National
Library Service.

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print
Disabled works with Talking Book libraries across the nation to provide audio
books, magazines, and special book players. The National Library Service has
also paid for mailing the materials back and forth to homes, so that there is
no cost at all to borrowers to use the service.

To supplement the bestsellers and national books and magazines, the Talking Books audio studio records 21 magazines of specific interest to Nebraskans. Volunteers narrate the text as a second person follows along and handles the recording equipment. The team’s goal is to make a recording that is word perfect. Experienced volunteers might also narrate books about Nebraska or by Nebraska authors. To audition to be a narrator, or if you or someone you know would like to sign up to use the service, please contact the Nebraska Library Commission Talking Book and Braille Service at 402-471-4038 or 800-742-7691.

]]>http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2020/02/24/listened-to-a-good-book-lately/feed/227682#BookFaceFriday – “Conversations with Friends” by Sally Rooneyhttp://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2020/01/03/bookfacefriday-conversations-with-friends/
http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2020/01/03/bookfacefriday-conversations-with-friends/#respondFri, 03 Jan 2020 15:11:12 +0000http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/?p=27089Raise your hand if one of your New Year’s resolutions is to read more! One of the best ways to accomplish that goal is by joining a book club, and have some great ‘conversations with friends’ about books! “Conversations with … Continue reading →

Raise your hand if one of your New Year’s resolutions is to read more! One of the best ways to accomplish that goal is by joining a book club, and have some great ‘conversations with friends’ about books! “Conversations with Friends: A Novel” ( Hogarth, 2017) by Sally Rooney is a part of our book club kit collection. It’s also available to our Talking Book & Braille customers who are looking for a new read in the new year! Check out all of our Book Club titles and TBBS services to start tackling your goals today!

“An insightful look at what it’s like to be young, smart, and deeply confused about friendship and love . . . It’s like an Ask Polly letter in the form of a novel, in the best possible way.”—The Cut

This week’s #BookFace models are Anna Walter and Holly Atterbury, two of our Talking Book & Braille Service Library Readers Advisors!

Meet Gabe Kramer who joined the Library Commission staff ten years ago and recently became Talking Book & Braille Service Director. Gabe grew up in Wahoo and graduated from Wahoo High School. He attended UNL earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcasting and completed his Master’s Degree in Library Science this past December from the University of Missouri. As a kid, Gabe remembers reading all the Goosebumps books and his first Stephen King book in 5th grade. As an adult, Gabe prefers nonfiction and is currently reading John Adams by David McCullough. Gabe estimates for every fiction book he reads, he reads two nonfiction. Stephen King is his favorite author. Gabe’s library also includes a substantial music collection featuring David Bowie, Nirvana, Kanye West, and Radiohead.

Prior to working in libraries, Gabe worked at Dairy Queen, the UNL Parking and Transit Department, and produced the broadcasts for the Lincoln Stars and the Lincoln Saltdogs. Gabe submitted an application for several jobs with the State of Nebraska and received a call to interview for the Library Commission. He does not remember applying specifically for a job at the Library Commission but happily, his application made him a good candidate making Gabe an accidental librarian. When he isn’t busy juggling the many staff shortages his department has been dealt recently, he likes to play basketball and spend time at home with his family listening to music and playing video games.

Gabe is married to Jenny and together they have a 9-year-old daughter, Ella. When I asked Gabe what is the best thing about life in Nebraska, he replied, “Jenny keeps me here.” A perfect day for Gabe is one with lovely weather, no chores, and plenty of time to do whatever he wants. If Gabe won the lottery, travel would be the first priority with the goal of filling all the pages of his passport book with custom stamps. Two trips to Japan to visit his mother’s family has whetted his appetite to see more of the world. Accidental or otherwise, we’re grateful Gabe joined the staff at the Library Commission.

]]>http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2019/08/07/nlc-staff-meet-gabe-kramer/feed/025370#BookFaceFriday “Let’s Be Reasonable”http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2018/12/21/bookfacefriday-lets-reasonable/
http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2018/12/21/bookfacefriday-lets-reasonable/#respondFri, 21 Dec 2018 14:30:56 +0000http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/?p=23361This is a #BookFaceFriday to make Grant Wood proud. Is there anything more iconic Midwestern than American Gothic? We got the chance to create our own with this week’s #BookFace selection “Let’s Be Reasonable” by Joel Sartore (Unversity of Nebraska … Continue reading →

Is there anything more iconic Midwestern than American Gothic? We got the chance to create our own with this week’s #BookFace selection “Let’s Be Reasonable” by Joel Sartore (Unversity of Nebraska Press, 2011). That’s the Nebraska photographer/author himself on the book cover with his wife Kathy. If you’re not familiar with this book of short essays and photography, you should really change that. It’s a must read.

“For this collection of essays and images, photojournalist Santore drew on various subjects encountered in his travels on assignment for CBS Sunday Morning and National Geographic magazine. By turns quirky, candid, whimsical and moving, they cover a wide range of topics, including endangered species, the power of laughter, state-fair food, mud, money, conspicuous consumption, and his own life and family at home in Nebraska.”—Neil Pond, American Profile

(Neil Pond American Profile 2011-09-05)

We pulled this from our Talking Book & Braille (TBBS) collection. It was recorded by NLC in 2016, and narrated by Alice Timm. It’s a part of our collection of Nebraska books and publications made available to Nebraska TBBS customers. It was recently added to TBBS’s Duplication on Demand service. You can learn all about the new Duplication on Demand service in next week’s episode of NCompass Live: Talking Books and Duplication on Demand!

Imagine if there were no books on your library shelves, and instead books were custom-made for every patron, printed and conveniently bound together during their visit. Something along those lines is being implemented with the digital talking books circulated at the Nebraska Library Commission Talking Book and Braille Service. Tune in to find out about the technology behind this change, and its advantages and disadvantages for patrons and staff as we begin this adventure together!

]]>http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2018/12/21/bookfacefriday-lets-reasonable/feed/023361Free Materials for Nebraska Libraries to Support Great American Read Programminghttp://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2018/09/10/free-materials-nebraska-libraries-support-great-american-read-programming/
http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2018/09/10/free-materials-nebraska-libraries-support-great-american-read-programming/#respondMon, 10 Sep 2018 16:32:34 +0000http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/?p=22864The Great American Read is the new PBS eight-part television competition and nationwide campaign to discover America’s favorite novel. Everyone can vote for their favorite from a list of 100 novels chosen in a national survey. NET Television is offering Nebraska … Continue reading →

]]>The Great American Read is the new PBS eight-part television competition and nationwide campaign to discover America’s favorite novel. Everyone can vote for their favorite from a list of 100 novels chosen in a national survey. NET Television is offering Nebraska resources for programming to help community members participate in the Great American Read. Nebraska libraries are invited to request posters and bookmarks (and possibly a local screening) from Marthaellen Florence, Director, Community Engagement, Nebraska Educational Telecommunications – NET, mflorenc@netad.unl.edu, 402-470-6603.

See http://netnebraska.org/greatread or Facebook.com/netNebraska for more information about the program broadcasts on NET. The series is hosted by Meredith Vieira and features conversations with authors, celebrities, and book lovers. The programs are scheduled for the next six weeks, leading up to the last day of voting (October 18, 2018) and announcement of America’s favorite read (October 23, 3018).

The Nebraska Library Commission’s Talking Book and Braille Service helps Nebraska librarians serve library customers who can’t use regular print, and all but four of the Great American Read titles are available in the talking book format through this service. For more information, see http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/?s=great+american+read. To help serve book clubs that want to read a title from this list, the Nebraska Library Commission Book Club Kit collection contains 59 of the 100 selections. To serve your library customers, search at http://nlc.nebraska.gov/ref/bookclub/ or contact Lisa Kelly, Information Services Director, 402-471-4015 for the list of Great American Read titles available in Book Club Kits.

]]>http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2018/09/10/free-materials-nebraska-libraries-support-great-american-read-programming/feed/022864“The Great American Read” Books available to Talking Book and Braille Service readershttp://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2018/06/18/great-american-read-tbbs-book-list/
http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2018/06/18/great-american-read-tbbs-book-list/#respondMon, 18 Jun 2018 21:22:19 +0000http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/?p=22465This reading list, curated by PBS, shows the diversity of America’s 100 most beloved fiction books. Voting for America’s greatest novel began May 22nd and will end in October 2018. Learn more about The Great American Read and how to … Continue reading →

]]>This reading list, curated by PBS, shows the diversity of America’s 100 most beloved fiction books. Voting for America’s greatest novel began May 22nd and will end in October 2018. Learn more about The Great American Read and how to vote at http://www.pbs.org/the-great-american-read/about/show/

For library patrons who can’t use regular print, all but four of the Great American Read titles are available in the talking book format. If you know readers who would love to be involved, but their vision is making it hard to use regular print, they can’t hold a book, or turn pages, the Nebraska Library Commission Talking Book and Braille Service is here to help! You can use the 5-digit numbers beside the book titles below to order these and many other wonderful books and magazines. Simply give us a call anywhere in Nebraska by dialing 1-800-742-7691, or visit our section of the NLC website.

]]>http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2018/06/18/great-american-read-tbbs-book-list/feed/022465Talking Book & Braille Service Volunteer Celebrationhttp://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2018/04/23/talking-book-braille-service-volunteer-celebration/
http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2018/04/23/talking-book-braille-service-volunteer-celebration/#respondMon, 23 Apr 2018 15:35:57 +0000http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/?p=22093The Nebraska Library Commission’s Talking Book and Braille Service celebrated the work of our volunteers at a luncheon on April 18, 2018. Volunteers are indispensable in serving Nebraskans who use Talking Books. Of the 35 active volunteers, many record magazines … Continue reading →

]]>The Nebraska Library Commission’s Talking Book and Braille Service celebrated the work of our volunteers at a luncheon on April 18, 2018. Volunteers are indispensable in serving Nebraskans who use Talking Books. Of the 35 active volunteers, many record magazines and books of regional interest. Others prepare national books for check out.

The Nebraska Library Commission’s Talking Book and Braille Service thanks all the volunteers who play an integral part in serving Nebraskans with disabilities. We provide free audio books and magazines and braille reading materials. Nebraskans receive reading selections through the mail or digital download. The service is available to individuals with a visual or physical condition, or a reading disability, which limits the use of regular print.

Nebraska Library Commission Director Rod Wagner presented a special recognition to three volunteers:

Norman Simon started volunteering with Talking Book and Braille Service shortly after 9-11. He began as a narrator, went through training, and became a producer in the recording studios. During the volunteer luncheon on April 18, 2018, Rod Wagner presented Norman an Admiralship in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska in appreciation of 15 years as a volunteer with us.

Jane Hood was recognized for five years as a volunteer narrator.

Amy Eidenmiller’s graduation from Doane University was also celebrated. At Talking Books, she prepares a variety of materials for mailing.

]]>http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2018/04/23/talking-book-braille-service-volunteer-celebration/feed/022093NCompass Live: Non-Visual Desktop Access (NVDA) to the Good Lifehttp://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2017/11/17/ncompass-live-non-visual-desktop-access-nvda-good-life/
http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2017/11/17/ncompass-live-non-visual-desktop-access-nvda-good-life/#respondFri, 17 Nov 2017 17:35:06 +0000http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/?p=21271Join us for the next NCompass Live, ‘Non-Visual Desktop Access (NVDA) to the Good Life’, on Wednesday, November 22, 10:00am – 11:00am CT. Blind and visually impaired people use screen readers and other assistive technology to access computers. This presentation … Continue reading →

]]>Join us for the next NCompass Live, ‘Non-Visual Desktop Access (NVDA) to the Good Life’, on Wednesday, November 22, 10:00am – 11:00am CT.

Blind and visually impaired people use screen readers and other assistive technology to access computers. This presentation will focus on how free screen readers can be used in the library to help visually impaired patrons gain equal access to information. Learn how screen readers work and how to set up a computer station for the blind. The presenter will also provide an overview of how to make your websites more screen reader friendly. A virtual handout will be available with some helpful information, including resources for both librarians and patrons to learn how to operate screen readers.

Dec. 13 How to Choose Your News: Educating College Students on Identifying Bias

Dec. 27 – The Next Best Thing to Having Your Own Gigabit Internet

For more information, to register for NCompass Live, or to listen to recordings of past events, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website. The show is presented online using the GoToWebinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoToWebinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

]]>Join us for the next NCompass Live, ‘Talking Books: Helping Patrons All Over Nebraska!’, on Wednesday, October 4, 10:00am – 11:00am CT.

Join Scott Scholz, Director of the Nebraska Library Commission Talking Book & Braille Service, to learn about the free audiobooks, audio magazines, and braille that are available through the TBBS. Scott will also talk about the various services that come together to provide accessibility to different kinds of resources for people with reading disabilities.

For more information, to register for NCompass Live, or to listen to recordings of past events, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website. The show is presented online using the GoToWebinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoToWebinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

]]>http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2017/10/02/ncompass-live-talking-books-helping-patrons-nebraska/feed/021063Talking Book and Braille Service Celebrates Volunteershttp://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2017/04/10/talking-book-braille-service-celebrates-volunteers/
http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2017/04/10/talking-book-braille-service-celebrates-volunteers/#respondMon, 10 Apr 2017 19:21:07 +0000http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/?p=19768The Nebraska Library Commission’s Talking Book and Braille Service celebrated the work of our volunteers at a luncheon on April 6, 2017. Pamela Davenport, a consultant from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) in The … Continue reading →

]]>The Nebraska Library Commission’s Talking Book and Braille Service celebrated the work of our volunteers at a luncheon on April 6, 2017. Pamela Davenport, a consultant from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) in The Library of Congress, thanked the volunteers for their contributions. NLS administers a free library program of braille and audio materials circulated to eligible borrowers in the United States by postage-free mail through a national network of cooperating libraries, including the Library Commission’s Talking Book and Braille Service.

Nebraska Library Commission Director Rod Wagner presented a special recognition to three volunteers:

Marjory Gloe, who has narrated books and magazines for twenty-five years and is known for her infectious enthusiasm.

John Sposato, who sorts new books into sets and has volunteered for twenty years, starting in audio duplication.

Jerry Hall, who has volunteered for fifteen years and does a variety of tasks in readers services.

Retiring volunteer narrators Cherie Frederick and Karen Boyer, who are two of the voices behind the talking books recorded here at the Nebraska Library Commission, were also recognized.

The Nebraska Library Commission’s Talking Book and Braille Service thanks all the volunteers who play an integral part in serving Nebraskans with disabilities. We provide free audiobooks and audio magazines and braille through the mail and through digital download to individuals with a visual or physical condition, or a reading disability, which limits the use of regular print. For more information see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/tbbs/. To volunteer, contact Annette Hall, Volunteer Services Coordinator, 402-471-4033, 800-742-7691, email.

]]>http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2017/04/10/talking-book-braille-service-celebrates-volunteers/feed/019768Behind the Scenes: Learn about Recording Talking Bookshttp://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2017/03/30/behind-scenes-learn-recording-talking-books/
http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2017/03/30/behind-scenes-learn-recording-talking-books/#respondThu, 30 Mar 2017 20:15:21 +0000http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/?p=19669If you have ever wondered how a book becomes a talking book, you can find out in the most recent edition of the NCB News from the Nebraska Center for the Book. The Nebraska Library Commission’s Talking Book and Braille … Continue reading →

]]>If you have ever wondered how a book becomes a talking book, you can find out in the most recent edition of the NCB News from the Nebraska Center for the Book. The Nebraska Library Commission’s Talking Book and Braille Service creates audio versions of print materials for the use of Nebraskans with a visual or physical condition or a reading disability that limits the use of regular print. The activities of staff and volunteers throughout the process of mapping, narration, review, postproduction, markup, and duplication are described in an article in the Spring 2017 NCB News (page 9 at http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/docs/publications/NCBNewsSpring2017.pdf). For more information see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/tbbs/. To volunteer as a narrator, contact Annette Hall, Volunteer Services Coordinator, 402-471-4033, 800-742-7691, email.

Two vacancies currently exist on the Advisory Committee to the Nebraska Library Commission Talking Book and Braille Service. The purpose of the committee is to represent the needs of talking book and Braille borrowers and to make recommendations concerning library policies, services, and programs. Membership consists primarily of library users but may include librarians, educators, health care providers, and others who understand the needs of individuals with disabilities. The committee normally meets twice a year.

The Talking Book and Braille Service provides free talking books, magazines, playback equipment, and Braille to any resident of Nebraska who cannot see regular print, or hold a book, or turn its pages. Books and magazines are received and returned through the mail postage-free or downloaded directly from the Internet. Persons interested in serving on the committee should contact Scott Scholz, Talking Book and Braille Service Director, 1200 N Street, Suite 120, Lincoln, NE 68508-2023. Phone: 402-471-6553 or 800-742-7691, fax: 402-471-6244, email: nlc.talkingbook@nebraska.gov. Deadline: March 20, 2017.
As Nebraska’s state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services-“bringing together people and information.”

]]>http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2017/02/21/talking-book-advisory-committee-seeks-nominees-4/feed/019427Scott Scholz: Director of the Talking Book and Braille Servicehttp://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2017/02/08/scott-scholz-director-talking-book-braille-service/
http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2017/02/08/scott-scholz-director-talking-book-braille-service/#respondWed, 08 Feb 2017 16:53:50 +0000http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/?p=19343Congratulations to Scott Scholz, who recently completed his MLS degree from the University of Missouri. Scott joined the Library Commission in 2005 to take what might be described as the perfect job for someone with his interest in reading and … Continue reading →

]]>Congratulations to Scott Scholz, who recently completed his MLS degree from the University of Missouri. Scott joined the Library Commission in 2005 to take what might be described as the perfect job for someone with his interest in reading and qualifications for recording. We are fortunate his wife Heidi found the original job posting for circulation manager that led him to us. In recent years, he has taken a leadership role on a number of NLC projects, including moving lower level operations to a new space on the first floor of the Atrium Building in 2014, helping Nebraska become the first state to convert its magazine recording program to digital format in 2010, and implementing assembly and review procedures in the TBBS studios. Currently, Scott is performing the work of two staff, as both the Acting Director of the Talking Book and Braille Service and the Circulation and Audio Production Coordinator.

Scott’s commitment to books, culture, and community makes the Talking Book and Braille Service hum, and he is a devoted advocate for Nebraskans who are unable to use traditional print. This interest started early, in Columbus, NE, where Scott was raised only two blocks from the Columbus Public Library and served as a volunteer for summer reading programs. As a young reader, he was interested in all kinds of fiction and nonfiction, from Encyclopedia Brown to science books. While working at a bookstore in high school, Scott developed an interest in music and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in music composition from the University of Denver. Scott lists authors David Foster Wallace, William S. Burroughs, and Miranda July among his current favorites, along with interests in Surrealist and Dada literature and history.

Outside of library work, Scott hosts a podcast called Words on Sounds, writes for several online publications, and runs a boutique experimental music label. Scott writes about and reviews experimental music to promote artists and connect with others who share the same passion for the underground music scene.

Scott credits Glee Nelson (the former children’s librarian at Columbus Public Library), and Kurt Cylke (former director of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped) as influences on his career path.

On the home front, Scott has been married to Heidi Uhing for 13 years and they share their residence with two dogs, Olive and Izzy, as well as some backyard chickens. As a Lincolnite, Scott appreciates what is happening in the local arts and culture community, and the ease and beauty of life in Nebraska. As a staff member of the Library Commission, we hope he stays for a very long time, because nobody could ever replace him and what he offers to our staff and to our patrons.

]]>http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2017/02/08/scott-scholz-director-talking-book-braille-service/feed/019343NLC Staff: Meet Amanda Sweethttp://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2016/10/05/nlc-staff-meet-amanda-sweet/
http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2016/10/05/nlc-staff-meet-amanda-sweet/#respondWed, 05 Oct 2016 16:10:31 +0000http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/?p=18596Meet Amanda Sweet who joined our staff in August as a Library Reader’s Advisor for our Talking Book and Braille service. Amanda was born in Milwaukee, WI and was raised in the small town of St. Francis, near Lake Michigan. … Continue reading →

]]>Meet Amanda Sweet who joined our staff in August as a Library Reader’s Advisor for our Talking Book and Braille service.

Amanda was born in Milwaukee, WI and was raised in the small town of St. Francis, near Lake Michigan. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English with an Emphasis in Publishing from Carleton College. After a brief stint with a literary agency in New York City, she decided to veer away from the making of books and shifted to the circulation of books in the library. As long as she is near a book, she is happy.

It was while working for Beyond Vision, a nonprofit that employs 85% blind and visually impaired individuals, that she began her Masters in Library and Information Science at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. At Beyond Vision she heard tell of some difficulties in raising awareness for TBBS services and she decided it was time to get more involved with the service as a whole. Here at the Commission, she loves the personal interaction she gets with patrons and will be completing her degree in December. If all else fails with the library career, she will content herself as a professional Dorito taster.

Amanda is a lifelong user of libraries and generally has at least one book in her oversized purse at all times. Some of her favorite authors include Sherman Alexie, Patricia Briggs, Dean Koontz, Richelle Mead, and many others. In her spare time she makes jewelry for the Etsy site she shares with her father- Sweetwater Creations. She lives with her boyfriend Sean and, since their move, they both have a craving for Oakland Gyros Greek Restaurant back in Milwaukee. The silver lining is that Amanda loves the people here in Lincoln as well as the new bead store/ art gallery she stumbled upon. Ideally, she would spend her entire weekend holed up with a gyro while reading, watching movies, making jewelry, and mindlessly surfing the web. We are grateful Amanda has joined us.
.

Three vacancies currently exist on the Advisory Committee to the Nebraska Library Commission Talking Book and Braille Service. The purpose of the committee is to represent the needs of talking book and Braille borrowers and to make recommendations concerning library policies, services, and programs. Membership consists primarily of library users but may include librarians, educators, health care providers, and others who understand the needs of individuals with disabilities. The committee normally meets twice a year.

The Talking Book and Braille Service provides free talking books, magazines, playback equipment, and Braille to any resident of Nebraska who cannot see regular print, or hold a book, or turn its pages. Books and magazines are received and returned through the mail postage-free or downloaded directly from the Internet. Persons interested in serving on the committee should contact Talking Book and Braille Service, 1200 N Street, Suite 120, Lincoln, NE 68508-2023. Phone: 402-471-6553 or 800-742-7691, fax: 402-471-6244, email: nlc.talkingbook@nebraska.gov. Deadline: March 15, 2016.

As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, “bringing together people and information.”

]]>http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2016/01/05/talking-book-advisory-committee-seeks-nominees-3/feed/016634NCompass Live: From the Basement to the West Wing: The Talking Book & Braille Service’s New Spacehttp://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2015/07/17/ncompass-live-from-the-basement-to-the-west-wing-the-talking-book-braille-services-new-space/
http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2015/07/17/ncompass-live-from-the-basement-to-the-west-wing-the-talking-book-braille-services-new-space/#respondFri, 17 Jul 2015 20:00:59 +0000http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/?p=15170Join us for next week’s NCompass Live, “From the Basement to the West Wing: The Talking Book & Braille Service’s New Space”, on Wednesday, July 22, 10:00-11:00 am Central Time. Several Nebraska Library Commission staff members and volunteers describe the … Continue reading →

]]>Join us for next week’s NCompass Live, “From the Basement to the West Wing: The Talking Book & Braille Service’s New Space”, on Wednesday, July 22, 10:00-11:00 am Central Time.

Several Nebraska Library Commission staff members and volunteers describe the long process of moving the Talking Book & Braille Service stacks, circulation, duplication and studio operations out of the basement to prime space on the first-floor and show off the results.

Upcoming NCompass Live events:

July 29 – Library Challenge: The Amazing Library Race

Aug. 5 – The Secret Art of Patron Driven e-book Acquisition: A snapshot of cost and control

Aug. 12 – The New Accreditation Guidelines as a Planning Tool

Aug. 19 – Meeting the Unique Needs of Teens

Aug. 26 – Could a Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament Be Your Next Fundraiser?

For more information, to register for NCompass Live, or to listen to recordings of past events, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website. The show is presented online using the GoToWebinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoToWebinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

]]>http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2015/07/17/ncompass-live-from-the-basement-to-the-west-wing-the-talking-book-braille-services-new-space/feed/015170One Book, One Nebraska Selection Now Ready for Talking Book Borrowershttp://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2015/06/18/one-book-one-nebraska-selection-now-ready-for-talking-book-borrowers/
http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2015/06/18/one-book-one-nebraska-selection-now-ready-for-talking-book-borrowers/#respondThu, 18 Jun 2015 16:40:12 +0000http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/?p=14914The 2015 One Book, One Nebraska selection, Death Zones and Darling Spies: Seven Years of Vietnam Reporting, is now available on cartridge directly from the Talking Book and Braille Service (TBBS). Written by Beverly Deepe Keever and narrated in our … Continue reading →

The 2015 One Book, One Nebraska selection, Death Zones and Darling Spies: Seven Years of Vietnam Reporting, is now available on cartridge directly from the Talking Book and Braille Service (TBBS). Written by Beverly Deepe Keever and narrated in our studios by Judy Hanefeldt, the book can be ordered by TBBS borrowers as DBC 760. It can also be downloaded directly from BARD, a website hosted by the Library of Congress for talking book borrowers.The book is written by a Nebraska farm girl turned journalist who became the longest-serving American correspondent covering the Vietnam War. The author earned a Pulitzer Prize nomination. With compelling prose, Beverly Deepe Keever tells personal and human stories that are matched by her insights regarding the war’s political and military strategies. She draws form interviews with generals, politicians, American marines, captured North Vietnamese soldiers, Buddhist monks, and Viet Cong officials.

Four vacancies currently exist on the Advisory Committee to the Nebraska Library Commission Talking Book and Braille Service. The purpose of the committee is to represent the needs of talking book and Braille borrowers and to make recommendations concerning library policies, services, and programs. Membership consists primarily of library users but may include librarians, educators, health care providers, and others who understand the needs of individuals with disabilities. The committee normally meets twice a year.

The Talking Book and Braille Service provides free talking books, magazines, playback equipment, and Braille to any resident of Nebraska who cannot see regular print, or hold a book, or turn its pages. Books and magazines are received and returned through the mail postage-free or are downloaded directly from the Internet. Persons interested in serving on the committee should contact Talking Book and Braille Service, 1200 N Street, Suite 120, Lincoln, NE 68508-2023. Phone: 402-471-4005 or 800-742-7691, fax: 402-471-6244, email: nlc.talkingbook@nebraska.gov. Deadline: March 15.

As Nebraska’s state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services-“bringing together people and information.”

When the Nebraska Library Commission Talking Book and Braille Service (TBBS) recorded I Am a Man: ChiefStanding Bear’s Journey for Justice, it enabled Nebraskans with a print-related disability to participate in the 2012 One Book One Nebraska statewide reading program. Now Nebraska’s recording is available for direct download to any qualifying U.S. resident through the Library of Congress’ Braille and Audio Reading Download service (BARD).

Written by Nebraska author Joe Starita and narrated by Alice Timm, this book is the first Nebraska Library Commission studio production to be offered through BARD online downloading. The book chronicles what happened when Chief Standing Bear undertook a 600-mile trek to return the body of his only son to their ancestral burial ground.

In recognition of Nebraska’s efforts, Library of Congress National Library Service Director Karen Keninger offered her congratulations, “Thank you for participating in the network-produced audiobooks on BARD pilot. I am pleased to inform you that your book . . . is now available on BARD. The posting of your book to BARD marks an important milestone in our efforts to increase the quantity of materials available on BARD.”

Launched in 2009 by the Library of Congress, BARD allows qualifying U.S. residents to download encrypted files of audio books and magazines, Braille, and music instruction materials. Materials can be accessed through home computers or through a mobile app for use with an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch device. Currently 354 Nebraskans participate in BARD—9% of TBBS borrowers—many more could be eligible (see application instructions at https://nlsbard.loc.gov/NLS/ApplicationInstructions.html). For more information see https://nlsbard.loc.gov/login/NE1A or contact nlc.talkingbook@nebraska.gov, 402-471-4038, 800-742-7691.

As Nebraska’s state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services-“bringing together people and information.”

Two vacancies currently exist on the Advisory Committee to the Nebraska Library Commission Talking Book and Braille Service. The purpose of the committee is to represent the needs of talking book and Braille borrowers and to make recommendations concerning library policies, services, and programs. Membership consists primarily of library users but may include librarians, educators, health care providers, and others who understand the needs of individuals with disabilities. The committee normally meets twice a year.

The Talking Book and Braille Service provides free talking books, magazines, playback equipment, and Braille to any resident of Nebraska who cannot see regular print, or hold a book, or turn its pages. Books and magazines are received and returned through the mail postage-free or are downloaded directly from the Internet. Persons interested in serving on the committee should contact Talking Book and Braille Service, 1200 N Street, Suite 120, Lincoln, NE 68508-2023. Phone: 402-471-4005 or 800-742-7691, fax: 402-471-6244, email: nlc.talkingbook@nebraska.gov.

As Nebraska’s state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services-“bringing together people and information.”